Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is like all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each one up. This dish mixes tender cabbage with ground meat, tomatoes, and a touch of seasoning, all slow-cooked until everything is soft and flavorful. It’s a warm, cozy meal that tastes like a hug on a plate.
I love how easy this recipe is to throw together—no need to spend time rolling tiny cabbage parcels. I usually prepare it in the morning, set it in the slow cooker, and by dinnertime, the whole house smells amazing. The cabbage softens perfectly and soaks up the tomato sauce, making every bite satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but is super simple to make.
My favorite way to serve this is with a dollop of sour cream on top and a side of crusty bread to soak up all the tasty sauce. It’s also great the next day, so I often make a big batch. This meal brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights in, and I think you’ll find it becomes a favorite in your household too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage is traditional here because it softens well but keeps a bit of texture. If you can’t find it, savoy cabbage works too and adds a nice mild flavor.
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives the dish heartiness, but ground turkey or chicken works if you want something lighter. For a vegetarian twist, try plant-based meat crumbles or lentils.
Rice: Rice helps soak up flavors and adds bulk. I use white rice for tenderness, but brown rice is a good swap for extra fiber. You can omit it if you prefer a low-carb version.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce build the sauce’s rich, tangy base. If you want a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes before adding.
How Do You Make Sure the Cabbage Softens Perfectly in the Slow Cooker?
Cabbage can be tricky—too little cooking and it’s crunchy; too much and it turns mushy. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Chop cabbage into large pieces, so it softens but keeps some bite.
- Layer everything evenly in the slow cooker so heat circulates well around the cabbage.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours instead of high to gently break down the cabbage without turning it to mush.
- If you find your cabbage too firm near the end, give it an extra hour on low.
- Stir gently before serving to keep some texture.
Slow cooking gives the cabbage time to soak up all the tomato sauce flavors, making it tender and tasty without losing its shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – essential for cooking the dish low and slow, making the cabbage tender without extra work.
- Large skillet – helps brown the ground meat and soften onions before adding to the slow cooker for better flavor.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – useful for chopping cabbage and dicing onions easily and safely.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the meat and mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner meal.
- Add chopped mushrooms for extra depth and earthiness that complements the cabbage and tomato sauce.
- Mix in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella near the end of cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat and extra flavor kick.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped coarsely
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sour cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, mainly browning the meat and chopping the vegetables. Then, let your slow cooker do the work for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, cooking until the meat is browned and the onions are soft—this usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until you smell that lovely garlicky aroma.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Place the chopped cabbage into your slow cooker. Add the browned meat and onion mixture, cooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, making sure all ingredients are mixed well.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender:
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead. The cabbage should cook down and become tender, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
4. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, give the dish a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Scoop the hot mixture into bowls or plates, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top, and add a dollop of sour cream if you like—this adds a creamy, tangy touch that’s perfect with the savory cabbage.
Enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s full of classic stuffed cabbage rolls flavor without the fuss!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on your microwave. This ensures even cooking and helps avoid extra moisture in the dish.
Can I Skip the Rice or Use a Substitute?
Absolutely! If you want to lower carbs or don’t have rice on hand, you can omit it or substitute with cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Just add these towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Slow Cooker?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost the nutrition and flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them in when you combine the ingredients in the slow cooker.
